Microsoft announced today that Windows 8 has been released to manufacturing (RTM). If you've been keeping up with the development of Windows 8, you already know that the official consumer release date for Microsoft's next generation operating system is October 26.

MSDN/TechNet members will get their first crack at Windows 8 on August 15. Members of Microsoft's Software Assurance program will have access one day later. Microsoft Action Pack Providers will be eligible on August 20 and Volume License customers can purchase the operating system on September 1.

As previously reported, customers can upgrade to Windows 8 via download for only $39.99 or $69.99 via a disc. For those that simply can't wait until October 26 to purchase a new computer, Microsoft is offering customers the chance to upgrade to Windows 8 for $14.99 via the Windows Upgrade Offer program.

Microsoft’s Steven Sinofsky had this to say about the development of Windows 8:

Back when we first demonstrated Windows 8 in May 2011, we described it as “reimagining Windows, from the chipset to the experience,” and that is what Windows 8 (and Windows RT) represents for both Microsoft and partners. The collective work: from the silicon, to the user experience, to new apps, has been an incredibly collaborative effort. Together we are bringing to customers a new PC experience that readies Windows PCs for a new world of scenarios and experiences, while also preserving an industry-wide 25-year investment in Windows software.

And for those wondering, the final build number for Windows 8 RTM is 9200.16384.win8_rtm.120725-1247

You can't resize what windows? Metro application windows? Metro apps run full screen (or side bared).

You can certainly use the scroll wheel in the metro start screen. it scrolls the screen from left to right. If you hold ctrl and scroll, it zooms out so you can see your groups of tiles, name them, organize them, etc..

So where does the scroll not work in the start screen?

What am I not being honest about? You think I am lying that I like Windows 8? That I have no problems with it without the use of a touchscreen?

You can have any opinion you like, it is to be respected. You post lies though, and for that you are branded a troll.

Exactly! God are you really this stupid? Can't you see how retarded it is to force us into full screen apps like our PC's are phones and tablets? That is NOT the Windows experience we know and love.

quote: So where does the scroll not work in the start screen?

You can't scroll VERTICALLY! You know, like everything else we use does 100% of the time? Left and right, just for the sake of it, is another touch-screen iteration that works poorly with a desktop PC and mouse.

Metro apps are supposed to be full screen. You constantly ignore the fact that the desktop is still there and desktop apps can run in windows just like they always did and you can resize them up and down and side to side until your heart is content. Metro apps (Which if you don't want any you don't have to install any) run full screen. Can't you see how retarded it is that you can't get that concept into your pea sized brain? The "windows experience" you "know and love" is a desktop click away. Get the fuck over it already.

"can't scroll vertically"... well I see we have hit a new low of things to complain about. How the fuck is scrolling vertically with a mouse or scrolling horizontally with a mouse different other than the scroll orientation? Still works the same way with a scrollbar or a mouse wheel, or a finger. So how in the hell is that a touch screen only thing? Don't you see how baseless your comments are?

I know this, how is that relevant? How can you not understand my point?

You know what, I think I finally have it figured out. You just aren't that intelligent, which is why Metro appeals to you, and you cannot understand why others expect to not have something like it included in their desktop OS.

You're exactly the type of person Apple caters to, and Microsoft is attempting to. So I guess in this regard, Microsoft has succeeded.

Enjoy the pretty colors and Fisher-Price icons, I however will not.

quote: The "windows experience" you "know and love" is a desktop click away. Get the f#ck over it already.

I already have this in Windows 7, why bother with 8. If you're not going to be using Metro, there's no point.

quote: Don't you see how baseless your comments are?

My comments are never baseless, and I'm never wrong. If you're going to hang out here, thems the rules.

Windows 8 is foisting a touch UI onto the desktop. This is a concession Microsoft is making to compete in the tablet space and many users are upset because they are offering no other options. Sure, you can still use all of your desktop apps and software makers will still make desktop apps in the future. BUT, Microsoft is trying to push the Metro interface and their app store into the mainstream where the same window rules don't apply, and even hamstring the desktop experience. As more and more applications move to Metro without a classic desktop version, the limitations and issues of Windows 8 with Metro apps when using a mouse and keyboard become obvious.

I love the idea of a desktop and touch OS in one, but Microsoft could have merged the two much better. For instance, on desktops they could have made Metro apps appear in a window on the desktop where the window can be rotated to simulate a tablet experience. Windows could remember the window orientation so the next time you launch that Metro app it comes up in the orientation. This is just one observation of many.

We understand your point well. The problem is that your point is nonsense. Windows 8 empirically works just fine with a keyboard and mouse: either just as good as, or better than Windows 7 for the same tasks. Your incoherent rantings (OMG, I can't scroll vertically in something that doesn't have content in the vertical direction!) are like complaining that you can't pedal your automobile while ignoring that just using the engine provided in the car is actually faster.